Photos: Inside a Sleek Black-and-Marble False Creek Penthouse

It’s often been said that people start to resemble their pets, but occasionally the same can be said of their homes, too. In the case of David and Shauna Jeffries, their penthouse is reflective of David’s job in the computing world: there’s a decidedly tech vibe that permeates the space. Clean white lines, efficient detail, the sparest of parts, which, while they serve as a quiet respite from busy workdays, are also a virtual mirror. Here, art imitates his life.

Homeowner Shauna Jeffries pours herself a cup of coffee in her Modulnova Italy kitchen sourced from Room 8. A glittering Brand van Egmond chandelier adds a hint of opulence.Black aluminum doors close off the kitchen prep area to hide clutter while entertaining, or open up to offer access to the ovens and counter space.

When purchasing the unit, the Jeffries had a clear decor code in mind: a modern, unembellished shell programmed with quiet, masculine luxury. To execute their vision, they enlisted designer Adam Becker to transform the 1,900-square-foot condo and its 1,200-square-foot rooftop deck with stunning views of False Creek.

“I wanted to create something minimal and clean,” says Becker. “A black and white canvas with straight lines and no obstruction—he doesn’t need more distraction when he gets home from work.” Becker’s first task was to take the space down from three bedrooms to two, remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and design an office.

“Painting a space with bright white walls sets the stage for art,” says Becker.Pieces from Graham Gilmore (this photo) and Holger Kalberg (above photo) pop against a blank backdrop.An open-concept dressing room flows right into the bathroom from the bedroom.

A custom black-oak vanity (complete with his-and-hers sinks) pops against the sleek floor-to-ceiling marble tiling in the ensuite. An egg-shaped Victoria and Albert tub, futuristic Fantini faucets and a wall-mounted television screen add a modern edge to the room.

Becker is quick to point out that demolition is his favourite part of the job. “Until I do it, I don’t know what’s behind a wall or up in the ceiling, but that’s when I can get really creative.” To wit: an extra two feet of overhead clearance was gained in the front hallway when the ceiling was ripped open, and while piping and ductwork in the kitchen had to stay, the designer carved out a recessed panel that helps add height and airiness. Flanking the marble-clad living room fireplace, a bookshelf and niche were created from some empty pockets behind the wall. “I don’t like to waste space—every inch counts when designing downtown places,” he says.

The master suite is a vision in white and grey, featuring a Philippe Starck bed frame, luxe Fino Lino linens and a side table by Martha Sturdy.The 1,200-square-foot outdoor rooftop patio features Ipe deck tiles, a Solus firepit, Royal Britannia sun chairs and (of course) palm trees.“Before the renovation, there was northing by concrete tiles up here,” says Becker. “Now there’s water, an ice fridge and a barbecue.”

Minimal material and colour also help create a palette that’s disciplined yet still luxurious. Statuario marble floors and a fireplace wall wrapped in the same material help keep the shell a blank canvas. “I like to stick with one material when I’m designing a place to keep it simple with less distraction—the marble is busy enough.” Becker’s goal is to always keep spaces timeless and primed for art. “I want to create a beautiful gallery,” he explains. “I leave the art to provide the colour—it brings life to a place.”

Much is hidden behind those white walls and sleek floors: a sound system, air conditioning, a downward-draft hood fan next to the sleek induction cooktop. Everything can be activated with a phone—from heating floors to changing the room temperature. The only thing the Lutron RadioRA 2 system didn’t control was the blinds. “Of course, the owner wrote a code for that and now the system talks to the roller shades,” laughs Becker. Here, life imitates the art.

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